Emir of Zuru’s Passing: Arewa Cohesion For Peace, Unity and Development Initiative Condoles Zuru Emirate

By

-

17/08/2025

The Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Highness, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Rtd), Sami Gomo II, the Emir of Zuru, whose sad demise occurred in the early hours of today Sunday August 17, 2025.

Sami Gomo II

In a condolence message issued to newsmen in Kaduna, the Director General of the movement, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, paid glowing tribute to the late Emir, describing him as a man of sterling virtues whose humility, wisdom, and leadership qualities endeared him to his people and to all who came in contact with him.

Dr. Idris noted that the late General was among the highly respected northern leaders on whom the organization relied for wise counsel and guidance in its mission to promote peace, unity, and development across the region.

He recalled the Emir’s illustrious military career, which culminated in his service as the Military Governor of Bauchi State, before ascending the revered throne as the Emir of Zuru. In both capacities, he distinguished himself as a patriot, a unifier, and a dedicated servant of the people.

“His patriotism and sense of duty never wavered,” Dr. Idris remarked. “Even in retirement, he continued to serve his people with dignity and selflessness as a first-class traditional ruler, leaving behind a legacy of service and honor.”

The Director General prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late Emir’s shortcomings, repose his soul, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

He also prayed that Allah grants his immediate family, the people of Zuru Emirate, and Kebbi State the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Emir of Zuru’s Passing: Arewa Cohesion For Peace, Unity and Development Initiative Condoles Zuru Emirate

By

News Editor

-

17/08/2025

0

The Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Highness, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (Rtd), Sami Gomo II, the Emir of Zuru, whose sad demise occurred in the early hours of today Sunday August 17, 2025.

In a condolence message issued to newsmen in Kaduna, the Director General of the movement, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, paid glowing tribute to the late Emir, describing him as a man of sterling virtues whose humility, wisdom, and leadership qualities endeared him to his people and to all who came in contact with him.

Dr. Idris noted that the late General was among the highly respected northern leaders on whom the organization relied for wise counsel and guidance in its mission to promote peace, unity, and development across the region.

He recalled the Emir’s illustrious military career, which culminated in his service as the Military Governor of Bauchi State, before ascending the revered throne as the Emir of Zuru. In both capacities, he distinguished himself as a patriot, a unifier, and a dedicated servant of the people.

“His patriotism and sense of duty never wavered,” Dr. Idris remarked. “Even in retirement, he continued to serve his people with dignity and selflessness as a first-class traditional ruler, leaving behind a legacy of service and honor.”

The Director General prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late Emir’s shortcomings, repose his soul, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

He also prayed that Allah grants his immediate family, the people of Zuru Emirate, and Kebbi State the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Vote Buying: Security Operatives Intercept ₦25.9m Cash in Kaduna Hours to Bye-election

By

News Editor

-

16/08/2025

1

Security operatives have arrested a suspected vote buyer with cash totalling ₦25,963,000 in Kaduna metropolis, barely hours to the conduct of the bye-elections in parts of the state.

The suspect, (name withheld) was apprehended around 3:30am on Saturday by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) at a popular hotel in the metropolis.
The Kaduna State Police Command said preliminary investigation revealed that the huge cash was meant for inducing voters to compromise the electoral process.
Spokesman of the Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the suspect had already confessed to the crime during interrogation and pleaded for leniency.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, as warning that the command would not spare anyone caught attempting to subvert the electoral process through vote buying, thuggery, violence, or any other illegal conduct.

“The suspect was arrested with the said amount, believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters. He confessed to the crime and begged for mercy. We wish to reiterate that anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law,” the CP was quoted as saying.
The Command also warned political actors and their supporters to desist from violence and acts capable of disrupting the bye-elections.

FG Validates First Menstrual Health Policy, Removes Tax On Sanitary Towels

By

News Editor

-

16/08/2025

0

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government and stakeholders have validated and adopted the first-ever National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) to tackle challenges affecting women and girls.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, at the validation meeting on Friday in Abuja, described the policy as a step towards ensuring menstruation does not limit any woman or girl-child.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Dr Maryam Keshinro, noted that the recent waivers on sanitary towels by President Bola Tinubu, showed his deep sensitivity to gender and public health matters.

She noted that women aged 15 to 49 constitute about 25 to 30 per cent of the country’s population, meaning tens of millions of Nigerians manage menstruation monthly.

“Alarmingly, 15 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 are already mothers or pregnant, and over 7.3 million adolescent girls and women suffer from undernutrition.

“With 55 per cent affected by anaemia; conditions that can be exacerbated by poor menstrual hygiene and lack of affordable sanitary products,” she said.

She explained that these realities further justify the urgency of the national policy validation, adding that menstrual health is not just a women’s issue; but a family, community, and national development issue.

“Every month, from bustling cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, to remote villages in Borno, Benue, Cross River, and Sokoto, as well as IDP camps in Maiduguri, Zamfara, and Adamawa, millions of women and girls experience menstruation.

“It is a normal biological process that should never be a source of shame, stigma, or economic hardship,” she said.

The minister highlighted inadequate access to sanitary products, poor WASH infrastructure, lack of accurate information, and persistent cultural taboos as factors that have contributed to exclusion, absenteeism from school, and preventable health challenges.

She added that the development of the policy will address these realities; break the silence, eliminate stigma, and embed MHHM into the national development agenda across health, education, water, sanitation, and gender sectors.

According to her, the policy will set a clear vision by 2030 which includes that no girl in Nigeria should have to choose between managing her menstruation and pursuing her education.

“No woman should be hindered in her personal or professional development because of menstruation; and no community should sustain stigma or exclusion linked to it.

“Implementation will require strong collaboration across sectors, political will, and active participation from states, communities, and development partners,” she said.

The minister, therefore, expressed appreciation to partners; particularly Population Services International and WaterAid Nigeria for their support in addressing menstrual health and hygiene challenges.

Also, Mrs Fifi Ogbondeminu, Acting Country Representative, Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, said the event marks a milestone towards ensuring that menstruation is no longer a silent burden but an issue addressed with dignity, empathy, and urgency

Ogbondeminu, represented by Abdulhameed Adediran, Team Lead for Menstrual Health Initiatives at PSI Nigeria, said menstrual health is a human rights issue, a gender equality issue, and a development issue.

She noted that through PSI’s Menstrual Health No Wahala (MH-NoW) programme, the organisation provided women and girls with affordable menstrual products, age-appropriate education and enabling environments that break stigma.

She emphasised the need to ensure the availability of low-cost menstrual products across rural and urban areas, integrating menstrual health into school and community programmes, and empowering girls to stay in education without shame or interruption.

Also, Evelyn Mere, Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, noted that the policy will also improve access to essential infrastructure including clean water, sanitation facilities, waste disposal systems and hygiene education.

Mere, represented by Dr Theodora Ngozika-Igboaneka, Policy and Advocacy Manager, said the policy is a powerful signal of commitment to human rights, health, dignity and empowerment of girls and women across the country.

“At WaterAid Nigeria, we have seen firsthand what changes when communities address menstrual health properly. Schools where girls no longer miss classes. Workplaces where women participate fully.

“Communities where the silence and shame around menstruation give way to open, practical support,” she said.

Also, Mrs Mabel Adinya-Ade, Consultant on the Development of the National Policy on MHHM, emphasised that its objective is to provide a comprehensive framework to improve access to safe menstruation for vulnerable women and girls. (NAN)

Tit-bit: Kaduna Journalists Vs El-rufai, Water has No Enemy

By

News Editor

-

15/08/2025

0

There is a common adage which says that water has no enemy. Another adage also holds that Soldier Come Soldier Go, but barracks remain”.

The two adages aptly define the scenario that played out in the rather frosty relationship between working journalists in Kaduna State and Malam Nasir El – rufai, former Governor of the State during his 8 tempestuous years in office.

El-rufai was in Kaduna on Thursday 14th August 2025, to meet the same set of people he once loathed and disparaged but now refers to them gleefully as Gentlemen of the Press.

In the spirit of the above adages, the erstwhile governor was however, attended to and given the opportunity to ventilate his views on the bye-election into the Chikun – Kajuru Federal Constituency billed for Saturday, 16th August 2025 and dispensed with accordingly.What an irony!
A big lesson for public figures to learn from .

Our New Aminu Dantata in the Making: The story of Aliyu Kombat- By Khalid M. Izala

By

News Editor

-

14/08/2025

0

In a society often overwhelmed by stories of greed and self-interest, it is refreshing, indeed, uplifting, to encounter individuals whose lives are defined by generousity, humility, and a relentless commitment to the welfare of others. Engr. Aliyu Mohammed Kombat, a young, promising businessman from Gombe, is one such figure. His name may not yet be as widely known as that of the legendary Aminu Dantata, but if his current path is any indication, Nigeria may well be witnessing the rise of a new philanthropic icon.

Kombat’s business acumen is matched only by the depth of his compassion. Recently, in an extraordinary gesture that will echo for years in the hearts of families, he paid the registration fees for over one thousand students at Gombe State University, a contribution totaling nearly N100 million. For these students, many from underprivileged backgrounds, his intervention has not only eased financial burdens but has opened doors to dreams that might otherwise have remained closed.

His benevolence, however, does not end with education. When a young girl from a poor family in Pantami faced the heartbreaking prospect of losing her leg, Kombat graciously stepped in, settling her surgery bills in full. Her story is not unique, as he has paid medical bills for countless others, saving lives and restoring hope in the process. From building houses for the needy to gifting cars, from funding Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to supporting religious organizations, his philanthropic footprint is wide and deep.

It is not only in grand gestures that Kombat leaves his mark. He supports young entrepreneurs with start-up capital, helping them escape the cycle of poverty and dependency. He sponsors Qur’anic recitation competitions, builds schools and mosques, installs solar power systems, and funds community development projects, all often without fanfare, avoiding the limelight that so many chase.

In many ways, Engr. Aliyu Mohammed Kombat mirrors the legendary Aminu Dantata, whose name has become synonymous with philanthropy in Nigeria. Like Dantata, Kombat understands that wealth finds its highest purpose in service to humanity. But perhaps even more telling is his commitment to discretion, doing good without seeking applause, allowing the results of his work to speak for themselves.

Nigeria, and indeed Africa, needs more men and women of Kombat’s calibre, visionaries who recognize that their personal success is most meaningful when it is shared. If we nurture such a spirit of service, we will not only change individual lives but transform entire communities.

As we watch his journey unfold, one cannot help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation. Engr. Aliyu Mohammed Kombat is not just a businessman; he is a bridge of opportunity for the underprivileged, a source of light for those in darkness, and, perhaps, the Aminu Dantata of his generation in the making.

Khalid Muazu Izala

KDSG to Coalition: Your “Concocted Tales Of Vote Buying and Thug Recruitment” Speak Volumes of Your Weakness At the Polls

By

News Editor

-

14/08/2025

0

Being “TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT ON BASELESS ALLEGATIONS BY ADC/SDP COALITION 14 August 2025“.

Our attention have been drawn to a laughable statement jointly issued by the so-called African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its equally confused bedfellow, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alleging that our government is plotting to sabotage Saturday’s bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, and State Constituencies in Zaria and Sabon-Gari.

1. Ordinarily, we would have ignored this desperate charade, but for the need to set the record straight and expose these false prophets of democracy. Their poorly-attended campaign events in recent weeks have already shown them the handwriting on the wall — that the good people of Kaduna State have decisively rejected them. Now, in the face of imminent defeat, they have resorted to concocted tales of “vote-buying” and “thug recruitment” to pre-emptively discredit an election they know they cannot win.

2. Let it be clear: Kaduna State Government has no hand whatsoever in the conduct of elections. That responsibility belongs exclusively to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is fully capable of defending its processes and integrity without unsolicited “sympathy” from confused political actors looking for relevance Their attempt to drag the name of our government into their self-inflicted political misery is as mischievous as it is defamatory.

3. We are, however, taking this matter seriously. The Kaduna State Government has instructed its legal team to carefully study the litany of baseless accusations levelled against us in the so-called “intelligence” statement, and to advise on the most appropriate legal action to ensure that the purveyors of falsehood are held accountable. We will not sit idly by while political opportunists smear the name of our administration and malign innocent officials with wild, unsubstantiated claims. Great Journalists of Kaduna will recall how the former governor sent thugs to the Secretariat of the NUJ some years ago, leading to injury to many of our colleagues. That is the way they think and act. We are a responsible government. We can not attack the people we have a mandate to lead.

4. As we speak, His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, is performing the groundbreaking of the construction of Romi – Karatudu Township Roads in Chikun LGA. Communities, the so-called leader and former governor, had abandoned, demolished, and ignored in his 8 years of reign.

5. Gov Uba Sani’s inclusive leadership has continued to unite and develop our state to an enviable position, and sadly, that unsettles the coalition.

6. Finally, we urge the people of Kaduna State to turn out en masse on Saturday to cast their votes peacefully, and disregard the rantings of political jobbers whose only campaign strategy is to cry wolf when there is none. Democracy in Kaduna is alive and thriving — and no amount of theatre from El-Rufai’s political leftovers in ADC will change that. We are confident that if good governance is marked by inclusivity, peaceful coexistence, and developmental projects, APC, under the leadership of Gov Uba Sani, will continue to win elections in the state

Signed:
Ahmed Maiyaki
Honorable Commissioner of Information (Designate), Kaduna State
14 August 2025

Earlier in the day, the Coalition of ADC and SDP in the State had in a joint statement accused the ruling party, APC in a joint statement, of plotting to rig the August 16 by-election through bribery, and mass recruitment of thugs .

Joint Coalition Statement by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Kaduna State Chapter, on the bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and State Constituencies in Sabon-Gari and Zaria

The African Democratic Congress has observed certain actions that sadly confirm that the APC government of Kaduna State is unelectable and therefore not interested in free and fair elections. As our Coalition prepares for the 16 August 2025 bye-elections, it has become apparent that the APC government’s plan is to sabotage the bye-elections, distort the electoral process and steal the elections that they have no chance of wining in a free and fair contest.

In Kaduna State, the ADC/SDP Coalition has gathered the following:
1. To execute their plot and ensure all the APC candidates are returned as winners, the APC government of Kaduna State has recruited about 4,000 thugs from within and outside the state to intimidate and harass citizens and officials of opposition parties at all polling units and at the Ward, State Constituency and Federal Constituency Collation Centres.
2. The Kaduna state government is engaged in efforts to compromise INEC officials. The inducements being used include allocations of plots of land to senior INEC officials, electoral officers and technical support staff. In furtherance of their election sabotage cause, we have details of the Kaduna State Government officials that have had secret meetings with high-level election personnel and other technical staff deployed from INEC Headquarters.
3. The Kaduna State Government compelled the 23 local governments to contribute N30 million each to its election sabotage fund for the bye-elections in the bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru/ federal constituency and state constituencies in Zaria and Sabon Gari. Further financial support from Abuja of about N4.8 billion has been provided to facilitate the sabotage of the elections through vote-buying, compromise of electoral officials, and corruption of security agents to encourage breakdown of law and order. A disgraced former senator, notorious for being an architect of electoral violence in the past, has been given responsibility for utilizing the election sabotage funds.

These assaults on election integrity and the fundamental rights of citizens to choose their legislators are being coordinated at the highest levels of the state government, with a serving Commissioner in charge of local government matters, leading the officials deployed for dishonorable operation. The ADC is also aware that the senior officials of Kudan, Soba and Zaria local government councils are recruiting thugs to attack opposition events, and disrupt our campaign plans.
As a law abiding coalition, we are hereby notifying INEC and the security agencies of the unlawful and undemocratic actions, as well as the nefarious plans of the APC government of Kaduna State, and urging that it should be brought to order to avoid unpredictable reactions of our supporters and the general populace.
In making these privileged intelligence public, which we are confident the internal security agencies, the police and INEC may be fully aware of, we are calling on:
• INEC to guarantee the neutrality of its officials and its commitment to respect the will of the voters. Such a statement of commitment to election integrity must include the recusal of compromised personnel from the election process, their immediate recall and replacement with fresh electoral and technical support staff immediately.
• Security agencies not to allow themselves to be complicit in violating the right of citizens to choose their leaders as intended by those who have recruited thugs to disrupt the election through violence. They should do their duty to safeguard the coalition’s right to campaign within INEC’s regulations today, and the safety and security of eligible citizens who wish to vote on Election Day, tomorrow, by the grace of God.
• The Commissioner of Local Government and other officials of the state government that have recruited thugs and other criminals to disrupt the bye-elections must not only be immediately cautioned and investigated, but prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Such miscreants in power must never be allowed to disturb the fragile peace in Kaduna and Zaria metropolis by unleashing terror in any Polling Unit and Collation Centre. The security agencies must be reminded that they must always ensure the arrest and prosecution of any other persons, even if they are members of our Coalition, that engage in violent disruption of the election or intimidation of voters, along with the sponsors of such unlawful actions.

Signed:
Jafaru Ibrahim Sani – ADC National Vice Chairman, North-West
Elder Patrick Ambut, ADC Kaduna State Chairman
Hon Nasiru Maikano, SDP Kaduna State Chairman
14-08-2025

Governance: Gombe to Establish 13 Local Council Development Areas

By

News Editor

-

14/08/2025

0

…Governor Inuwa Yahaya Sends Bill to House of Assembly

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has sent a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to establish 13 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

This, according to a statement by his spokesman, Ismaila UBA Misilli, is in line with the Governor’s deep commitment to bringing governance closer to the people, improving service delivery and promoting inclusive and participatory democracy across the state.

The proposed LCDAs, designed as administrative sub-divisions of existing Local Government Areas, will play a vital role in addressing pressing local needs in security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and social services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The LCDAs will also work closely with traditional institutions and community leaders to maintain peace, promote local development, and address emerging security concerns, in line with the provisions of the Gombe State Chieftaincy Law (as amended).

The 13 proposed LCDAs and their designated headquarters are as follows:
1. Akko North (Headquarters: Amada)

2. Akko West (Headquarters: Pindiga)
3. Balanga South (Headquarters: Bambam)

4. Billiri West (Headquarters: Tal)

5. Dukku North (Headquarters: Malala)

6. Funakaye South (Headquarters: Tongo)

7. Gombe South (Headquarters: Bolari)

8. Kaltungo East (Headquarters: Wange)

9. Kwami West (Headquarters: Bojude)

10. Nafada South(Headquarters: Birin Fulani)

11. Pero-Chonge (Headquarters: Filiya)

12. Yamaltu East (Headquarters: Hinna)

13. Yamaltu West (Headquarters: Zambuk)

To ensure smooth implementation, the bill provides for the establishment of Interim Management Committees that will oversee operations in each LCDA pending the conduct of substantive local elections. The reform will be rolled out in phases with clear operational frameworks, staffing structures and budgetary allocations to guarantee efficiency from the onset.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya calls on the Gombe State House of Assembly to give the bill expeditious and favourable consideration.

He also calls on citizens to embrace and support this visionary initiative, which reinforces Gombe State’s position as a leader in inclusive governance and grassroots-driven development in Nigeria.

Africa Prime News

Africa Prime News

Africa Prime News

Africa Prime News

Currency Exchange Rates

Africa Prime News

About us

Company

The latest

Subscribe